A 31-year-old farmer was arrested by authorities after he was allegedly caught carrying an unlicensed firearm during a checkpoint operation along the National Highway in Barangay Inug-ug, Pikit, Cotabato at around 12:12 p.m. on May 16, 2026.
Police identified the suspect only by his alias “Dats,” a married farmer and resident of Barangay Rajahmuda in the Ligawasan Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
According to the report from the Pikit Municipal Police Station, the suspect was intercepted while driving a Yamaha Aerox motorcycle during a routine checkpoint operation jointly conducted by police officers and personnel of the Philippine Army.
Authorities said operatives noticed what appeared to be a firearm tucked into the waist of the suspect while he was being inspected at the checkpoint.
Upon verification, the object was confirmed to be a caliber .45 Colt Government pistol loaded with a magazine and live ammunition.
Police immediately asked the suspect to present legal documents and a license for the firearm. However, he allegedly failed to provide any permit or proof authorizing him to carry the weapon.
During a further search, authorities also recovered another magazine loaded with ammunition from the suspect’s sling bag.
The suspect was then informed of the reason for his arrest and was apprised of his constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine and the Anti-Torture Law before being taken into police custody.
The confiscated firearm, magazines, and ammunition were brought to the Provincial Forensic Unit in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat for ballistic examination to determine whether the weapon had been used in previous crimes.
Authorities said the suspect is now detained and is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Police continue to intensify checkpoint operations across Cotabato and nearby areas as part of ongoing security measures against the illegal possession and transport of firearms.